Purple Shampoo for Hair: How it Works

If you've ever stepped out of the salon with freshly bleached hair, you know that magical feeling of having perfectly toned, cool-blonde locks. But as time goes on, you might notice your hair starting to look a bit... off. Enter purple shampoo - the secret weapon that keeps blondes looking salon-fresh between appointments.

Let's dive into why purple shampoo is an absolute must-have for anyone with bleached hair, and how it works its colour-correcting magic.

Why does bleached hair need purple shampoo?

Picture this: you've just spent hours in the salon chair, emerging with the blonde of your dreams. Your hair looks amazing - cool-toned, bright, and free from any brassy undertones. But why does it look so good right after your appointment?

The answer lies in the toning process. After bleaching, your stylist applies a toner to neutralise those warm, brassy undertones that naturally occur in all hair types. Yes, you read that right - all hair types! 

It's a common misconception that only some people's hair lifts warm. In reality, everyone's hair has warm undertones due to melanin. 

The only difference is how long it takes to bleach different base colours to achieve that desired blonde shade.

Here's the kicker, though - that perfect toner doesn't last forever. Over time, it starts to wash out, and those pesky warm tones begin to creep back in. Factors like chlorine, saltwater, hard water, and frequent washing can speed up this process, leaving your once-cool blonde looking a bit... well, brassy.

How does purple shampoo work?

Now, this is where purple shampoo swoops in to save the day. But how exactly does it work its magic?

It all comes down to a bit of colour theory. Take a look at a colour wheel, and you'll notice that purple and yellow sit opposite each other. In the world of colour, opposites neutralise each other. 

So when you apply purple shampoo to your hair, it deposits tiny amounts of purple pigment that counteract those yellow tones.

The result? Your blonde looks brighter, more silvery, and decidedly cool-toned - just like it did when you first left the salon. It's like a mini toning session in your shower!

Can brunettes use purple shampoo?

Now, you might be wondering - is purple shampoo only for the platinum blonde crowd? Not necessarily! While it's typically recommended for those with blonde or bleached hair, you don't have to be a total blonde to reap the benefits.

If you have highlights or balayage, purple shampoo can be a game-changer, even if your base colour is brunette. Those lighter pieces can still pick up brassy tones over time, and a purple shampoo can help keep them looking fresh and cool-toned.

Tips for using purple shampoo

Before you go slathering purple shampoo on your hair every day, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, this isn't an everyday product. While it's brilliant for maintaining blonde hair, it's entirely possible to overdo it. 

Using too much purple shampoo can lead to a build-up on your hair, potentially leaving it looking darker than you'd like. Not the goal, right?

Instead, think of purple shampoo as a treatment. When you use it, let it sit on your hair for a few minutes after lathering up. This gives the purple pigments time to work their magic before you rinse.

How often to use purple shampoo

So, how often should you be reaching for that purple bottle? As a general rule, aim for about 2-3 times a week. However, the best approach is to let your hair be your guide. If you start noticing those brassy tones creeping in, it's time for a purple shampoo session.

Does purple shampoo work on grey hair?

Here's a fun fact - purple shampoo isn't just for blondes! If you're rocking a silver or grey mane, you might find purple shampoo to be your new best friend.

Grey hair, much like blonde, can sometimes take on a warm hue. This is especially true if you're in the process of transitioning to your natural grey. A purple shampoo can help keep very light, grey hair looking cool-toned and fresh, maintaining that chic, silver-fox look.

Does purple shampoo damage hair?

Now for the million-dollar question - does purple shampoo damage your hair? The short answer is no, it doesn't. However, if you're using purple shampoo, chances are you've bleached your hair at some point. Bleached hair requires a bit of extra TLC to stay healthy and strong.

To keep your blonde locks in tip-top shape, make sure that you're using a repairing treatment like Olaplex No.3 in your routine. 

This at-home treatment helps rebuild the bonds in your hair that can be broken during the bleaching process, leaving your hair stronger and healthier.

You might also want to look into purple hair masks. These work similarly to purple shampoo but often have added moisturising and nourishing ingredients to give your hair some extra love.

Product Recommendations

Now that you're a purple shampoo pro, let's talk about some top-notch products to keep your blonde looking its absolute best.

For a luxurious option that'll make you feel like you're in a high-end salon every time you wash your hair, try the Balmain Illuminating Shampoo. It comes in two pearlescent shades - White Pearl for a bright, clean blonde, and Silver Pearl for a cooler, more ash-toned finish.

If you're an Olaplex devotee (and let's be honest, who isn't?), the No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo is a game-changer. It combines bond-building technology with blonde-enhancing purple pigments for healthier, brighter blonde hair.

For those with fine hair who worry about purple shampoo weighing their locks down, Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Silver Daily Shampoo is a fantastic choice. It's lightweight yet effective, and pairs perfectly with Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Silver Daily Conditioner for a complete cool-toned blonde routine.

It takes a bit of effort and the right products, but the results are so worth it. With the help of purple shampoo and a solid hair care routine, you can keep your blonde looking fresh, cool-toned, and utterly fabulous between salon visits.

So go ahead, embrace the purple! Your blonde (or silver, or grey) hair will thank you for it.

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